Soweto Sounds

Weeping is a well known anti-apartheid song written by Dan Heymann in the mid-1980s. The song was a pointed response to the 1985 State of Emergency declared by President P.W. Botha, which resulted in “large-scale killings of unarmed and peaceful demonstrators against racial discrimination and segregation in the Union of South Africa.” Lyrics: I knew a [...]

A crowd favourite, Angel is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan that was released in 1997 on her Surfacing album. The Soweto Gospel Choir’s version of this song is unique, as Zulu lyrics by the Choir’s own Mulalo Mulovhedzi are added.  By the time you get to the Zulu part; you will be soaring with [...]

A Xhosa traditional, Ndikhokhele translates to Lead Me Lord and is a song praising the Lord. Lyrics: Xhosa Lyrics I was unable to find the original Xhosa lyrics. If you know them, please contact me. Thank you. English Translation Lead me Lord I’m a stranger in this world You have the power I have none [...]

OK, so Umqombothi technically isn’t a Soweto Gospel Choir song; but it’s such a fun song that I love (with clicks!), and wanted to share on SGF.  And there is a SGC connection! In November of 2003, the Soweto Gospel Choir took part in the 46664 Concert held in Cape Town.  Lots of big names [...]

Prayer for South Africa is one of my all-time favourite Soweto Gospel Choir song. The song is sung in Afrikaans and Zulu. Lyrics: Afrikaans / Zulu Lyrics Here, in die hemel daarbo Die dag is op sy laaste draai En die son, Here die son Hy lyk of hy water wil hê Hy staan al [...]

Forever Young is another Bob Dylan song that the Soweto Gospel Choir have recorded.  The original song was released in 1974 on Dylan’s Planet Waves album. Lyrics: May God bless and keep you always May your wishes all come true May you always do for others And let others do for you May you grow [...]

Last year I posted the Soweto Gospel Choir’s version of Katrina and the Waves’ classic Walking on Sunshine. Thanks to Rydal / jungleboyuk, we can share his excellent remix of the song. Lyrics: I used to think maybe you loved me Now, baby, I’m sure And I just can’t wait ’til the day When you [...]

For those who remember, one of the highlights from ESPN’s coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup were their television spots that featured U2 and the Soweto Gospel Choir. Collaborating together on some big ticket songs, their renditions of Amazing Grace, Where the Streets Have No Name, Put on Your Boots and Magnificent were simply [...]

I’ll Remember You is a Bob Dylan song released in 1985 on his Empire Burlesque album. Lyrics: I’ll remember you When I’ve forgotten all the rest, You to me were true, You to me were the best. When there is no more, You cut to the core Quicker than anyone that I knew. When I’m [...]

Thula Baba is a popular Zulu lullaby. The lullaby is sung by a mother to her child, as they await the return of their husband/father who has gone away to work. It’s a beautiful song with a powerful message.  Simply lovely. The famous South African musical Umoja does a wonderful rendition of this song, too. [...]